Safety Topics: Approach and Landing

Abstract

IT has been stated many times that a large percentage of all accidents and incidents can be at least partly attributed to human error. A study of total aircraft losses shows that some 54% are recorded as having occurred in the approach and landing phases of flight. Causes of incidents in these phases, again expressed as percentages of overall total aircraft losses, are detailed as follows: 24% are ascribed to the factors of ‘misjudgement and misapplication of technology’, 17% to ‘deviation from procedures and regulations’, 8% could be traced to navigational error and 4% revealed that weather conditions had either been underestimated or ignored. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commented that most approach and landing incidents could be avoided through a timely initiated go‐around.

Citation

Mayday (1988), "Safety Topics: Approach and Landing", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 60 No. 5, pp. 22-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb036614